Best Cross Stitch Fabric, Kits & Supplies for Every Skill Level

The count number refers to how many stitches fit per inch of fabric — a 14-count cloth has 14 holes per inch, while an 11-count has fewer, larger holes per inch, and an 18-count has more, smaller holes.

Lower counts like 11-count are easier to see and thread, making them popular for beginners and stitchers with vision difficulty, while higher counts allow more detail in a smaller finished piece.

14-count is the most common default in published patterns, which is why most of the fabric in this list is 14-count — it's the safest choice unless a specific pattern calls for something else.

None of the products in this list include a hoop or frame — those are typically purchased separately. A hoop keeps fabric taut while stitching, which makes even, consistent stitches easier, especially for beginners.

Some stitchers work without a hoop entirely once they're experienced, using their hands to maintain tension instead, but a hoop is generally recommended while learning.

If you're starting with the FEPITO kit or any fabric pick here, budget for a basic embroidery hoop as a small additional purchase if you don't already own one.

A small pattern (under 100x100 stitches) typically needs a fabric piece around 8x8 to 12x12 inches, while larger, more detailed patterns can require 16x20 inches or more, depending on the stitch count and fabric count combination.

As a rule of thumb, always leave 2-3 extra inches of blank fabric around the edge of your design for framing or mounting later — cutting fabric too close to the pattern makes finishing difficult.

For a first project, a 12x18in piece like the Similane pack or a full 19x28in sheet gives comfortable margin for most standard-size patterns.

Yes, most finished cross stitch pieces can be hand-washed carefully in cool water with mild soap, though it's worth checking your specific thread brand's colorfastness first, especially with dark or saturated thread colors.

After washing, lay the piece flat to dry rather than wringing it out, and iron it face-down on a padded surface once fully dry to remove wrinkles without flattening the texture of the stitches.

For the water-soluble canvas method specifically, the canvas itself dissolves in water after stitching onto garments, which is a different (intentional) process from washing a finished Aida-cloth piece.

Aida cloth, like every fabric option in this list, has a distinct visible grid of holes that makes counting stitches straightforward — this is why it's the standard recommendation for beginners.

Evenweave and linen fabrics have a more subtle woven texture without the same obvious grid, which experienced stitchers often prefer for a smoother finished look, but they're harder to count accurately without practice.

If you're new to cross stitch, starting with Aida cloth like the picks in this list builds the counting skills you'll need before moving to evenweave or linen later.

Separating embroidery floss into individual strands before threading the needle is the single biggest factor in reducing tangles, since most floss comes as 6 strands twisted together and patterns usually call for only 1-3 strands at a time.

Using shorter thread lengths (around 18 inches) rather than long lengths also reduces tangling, since long thread has more opportunity to twist on itself while stitching.

A needle threader, like the ones included in the 100pc needle pack in this list, also speeds up rethreading when you do need to start a fresh length, reducing frustration during longer stitching sessions.

For a first project, a complete kit like the FEPITO pick is usually better value since it bundles fabric, a chosen pattern, and often needles into one purchase at a lower combined cost than buying each piece separately and guessing at quantities.

Once you know what patterns and fabric counts you prefer, buying components separately — fabric from a multi-pack like the Similane pick, needles from a bulk pack, and floss separately — usually works out cheaper per project long-term.

Most stitchers start with one or two kits to learn the process, then transition to buying fabric and patterns separately once they have preferences established.

A tapestry needle (blunt tip, large eye) in a size matched to your fabric count is standard — finer fabric counts like 18-count need a smaller needle, while lower counts like the 11-count fabric in this list work well with a slightly larger needle.

The 100pc needle set in this list includes a range of sizes, which is convenient for stitchers working across multiple fabric counts rather than needing to buy a new needle size for every project.

A blunt tapestry needle tip (rather than a sharp embroidery needle) is important for cross stitch specifically, since it slides between the fabric's woven threads instead of piercing them, protecting the fabric's structure over repeated stitches.